Strong spirits: be humble

Humility. If you think you've got it, you probably don't. It is underrated and misunderstood. Pride and confidence get the attention. Being humble, not so much. But it is a key ingredient to being a whole person, a good person, and a God like person.

To be humble is to be self-less. To put the needs of others ahead of my own. To refuse to call attention to myself in an arrogant way. To do what needs to be done, even if it is difficult or offensive. You can see why pride is so much easier.

"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." the apostle Paul to his friends in Rome (Romans 12:10)

"Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus...he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant... he humbled himself to become obedient to death- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place..." Paul again (Philippians 2:5,7-9)
"But I am among you as one who serves." Jesus (Luke 22:27)

Jesus himself is the very best model of what it is to be humble. If anyone had a right to be proud, it was him. But he knew better. He knew pride destroys, and humility heals. To be humble is to practice love.

How humble are you?

Gary Schwerin serves as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church. He is also the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - subscribe to our daily email so you don't miss any.

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